Karoline Kenville, MA., BCBA., LBA, Early Autism Services Dear Parents, It’s interesting to me how we define “family.” We always look at it as people who we share kinship with.
Category: News
Mother’s Day 2020
As we approach Mother’s Day, we asked some of our AAoM staff, who are honored to be mothers to individuals with disabilities, to share their insights and memories as mothers.
SHREWD Presentation | Autism Among the Han Justin Marsack Presentation
Autism Among the HanBy Justin Marsack ‘Han’ is the conflict that all humans feel within their soul and is a Korean cultural element. Internal conflict happens to everyone,,but can be
DSP Ally of the Month Dec. ’19 – Alhousseyni Sako!
Alhousseyni Sako is being recognized by the Autism Alliance of Michigan as an outstanding Direct Support Professional for the month of December 2019! For the past three years, Alhousseyni, or
DSP Ally of the Month Nov. ’19 – Deidra Jacobs!
In 2004 a social worker was leading weekly empowerment rights and responsibilities workshops in the classroom for a group of students with disabilities. Deidra was the teacher. From Sheryl for
DSP Ally of the Month Oct. ’19 – Camille Rice!
Announcing AAoM’s DSP Ally of the Month! Camille Rice of Detroit cares for two brothers with autism and dyslexia. Camille helps with the skill that her Joshua wants the most…to
DSP Ally of the Month Sep. ’19 – Bridgette Sabol
You would never know that Bridgette wasn’t a fourth sister to him in her 7 years by his side. Louie has a number of health concerns associated with his cerebral
Finding Our Balance: Contributed by Adam Kuda
Finding Our Balance Contributed by Adam Kuda, Father and Director of Marketing, Comprehensive Early Autism Services Balance is important in life. As a father of a child with autism, I
Autism Alliance of Michigan Kicks off a Busy Spring
April showers bring….May autism awareness events! AAoM had a blast May 4th and 5th with the Henry Ford at their Day out with Thomas Sensory-Friendly Event and Autism Support of
Just for Me: Contributed by Mireya Martinez
When my daughter, Bianca, was younger it felt as though only families who were wealthy were able to provide for all of the needs of their children with autism, and
Colleen Allen Thanks University of Michigan Greek Life and Talks AAoM News
AAoM’s President and CEO, Colleen Allen, stopped by the Lucy Ann Lance Show- WLBY AM last week to talk all things AAoM and thank fraternities from University of Michigan for
Request for URGENT Action: Medicaid Funding for Direct Care
REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: Contact your House and Senate members urging them to support additional Medicaid funding for a $0.75 per hour wage increase for direct care workers in the Fiscal
ADVOCACY ALERT! Caregiver Staffing Crisis
THE ISSUE: CAREGIVER STAFFING CRISIS People with developmental disabilities or mental illness rely on direct care workers for essential supports which enable them to access their community, work, and live
Annual Special Education Rally Insists it’s Time to Invest in our Students
Autism Alliance of Michigan was represented this week at the annual Special Education rally organized by Marcie Lipsett, an education advocate and founder of Michigan Alliance for Special Education. Families
Eli’s Au-Some Allies Top the Fundraising Charts at Autism Hero Walk!
Just weeks ago, Autism Alliance of Michigan and about 6000 of our closest friends painted the Detroit Zoo green for autism acceptance in Michigan. Teams from all over the state
FREE Tickets to Wharton Center for Performing Arts at MSU
The Autism Alliance of Michigan has partnered with the amazing Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University to offer subsidized tickets for special needs families to attend a
All You Need to Know About the Michigan State Budget
The state budget season has finally come to a close, with Governor Snyder signing the budget last week. AAoM would like to thank Lt. Governor Brian Calley and key members
Thanking 3rd Party Fundraisers
With a passionate mission to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) relies on outside support from the greater
Change for Autism Campaign
To celebrate April as National Autism Awareness month, 250 classrooms in southeast Michigan participated in AAoM’s Second Annual Change for Autism campaign. This campaign benefitted Michigan families affected by autism
From Working Through a Learning Disability to Inspiring Others: Jacob Levy’s Story
We took some time to talk with Jacob Levy, founder of MODIFIED MUSIC-ATION, which combines a basic approach to learning with the fundamentals of music. Along with music education, MODIFIED MUSIC-ATION
Dougie and His Family Stop By Little Caesars Arena for a Red Wings Game
Each year, Niklas Kronwall donates 4 tickets to every home Detroit Red Wings game to families affected by autism. Dougie, one little Red Wing fan, was lucky enough to receive
Special Toys for Special Children: Recommended Guides
Play is important for all children of all abilities. Through play, children learn about the world and themselves while experiencing joy. Toys are the tools of play. They can help
AAoM’s Young Professionals Board Turns 3 Years Old!
Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Young Professionals Board (YPB) was formed three years ago with one goal: engage Michigan’s young professionals in the mission of AAoM. This group of 13 took
A Story of a Boy and his Grandpa: In Memory of Sheldon Green
Sheldon Green of Boynton Beach, FL passed away the evening of Wednesday November 29th. Located in Portage, MI, his grandson (Jonah Weiner) , granddaughter, daughter (Allison Weiner) and son-in-law, wanted to
On Board with Autism Offers Individuals with Autism and Their Families Test “Flight”
Delta Air Lines in Detroit along with Wayne County Airport Authority and Autism Alliance of Michigan hosted an “On Board with Autism” event on Saturday, October 21st. About 90 children
October MiNavigator Newsletter
For our October issue, we felt it was a good time to provide some professional guidance and interpretation for Michigan’s new Seclusion and Restraint legislation – being implemented across the state this school year. Many of you may not realize the impact of these new laws, but for some parents who have experienced previously unfair (and in some cases, unsafe) practices of seclusion and restraint against their own child, the significance of this educational reform cannot be understated.
AAoM’s September MiNavigator Newsletter
Well, September is upon us. It is back to school time, change of seasons, busier daily schedules and of course, more stress. This month, we feature Tracey Cohen, who shares her story (and love) of running and how this activity has provided her with a healthy outlet for the challenges she has faced living with autism. It is truly inspiring and we hope you will take some lessons from Tracey. Additionally, we are always conscious that the start of the school year is a good opportunity for families (and providers) to be thinking long term – planning for a child’s future, not just for this year, but even multiple years down the road, when he/she will become a young adult. We hope you will share the information with families, working together in this planning process. Happy September!
The Best Part…This Article is NOT About Autism
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Over 120 People Receive Free Safety Plans At Autism Alliance Of Michigan’s Safety Fair In Detroit
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AAoM Knows Safety
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Michigan Falls Short On Special Education Services
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How Michigan’s 2018 Budget Effects People with Disabilities
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Livingston Safety Fair
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Happy July!
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Tips On How To Survive The 4th Of July
Growing up 4th of July was not just the highlight of summer vacation but the entire year. There is just something special about colorful explosions painting the night sky accompanied by the big brass of John Phillips Sousa or the Patriotic taps of George Cohen that beats Santa and his army of elves any day.
Meet Your Navigators–Jill Matson
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At Work, With Autism
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Summer is finally here!
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Over 140 People Receive Support at the Navigating Autism Today Regional Conference in Frankenmuth
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Autism Alliance of Michigan in the Community
Jill Matson and Roba Hrisseh, members of the AAoM Navigator team, attended an interactive presentation for St. Joseph Parish School, a private school in Trenton by Joshua Stokes (who is an AAoM independent contractor). Over 60 students and staff attended Josh’s presentation where he opened up about autism, how he has overcome the challenges of living with autism, and his current successes.
Meet Your Navigators–Emma Tryson
At Autism Alliance of Michigan, the soul of our programs is our Navigator Team. We rave about this group all year long, so, we want to spend some time highlighting out heroes–our Navigators.
This team of dedicated individuals works day and night to find answers to all autism questions. They spend the time researching so so caretakers can focus on what’s most important–their loved ones with autism.
So here is our 2nd installment of Meet Your AAoM Navigators. We sat down with Emma Tryson, who was one of the original Navigators on our team.
2017 Michigan Shines for Autism Gala Recap
The theme of the 6th annual Michigan Shines for Autism Gala was “Expect the Unexpected: An evening celebrating the unexpected gifts around us.” From 8 year old MC Keith Tryson to a menu of gourmet sliders and tater-tots (Keith’s favorite) to Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley tickling the ivories and singing with the Aim High Flyers, this was one evening, we won’t forget. Thank you to all who attended, donated and supported us in our most successful Gala to date!
Building A Gross Motor Plan
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Over 70 Attendees Enjoyed On Board with Autism at DTW
Over 70 attendees were able to take advantage of a partnership event with Autism Alliance of Michigan, DTW Airport, Delta and TSA. For families living with autism, air travel is often an extremely difficult or impossible option. The entire experience, from the size of the airport, number of people, security protocols, noise, smells, and visual stimulation can easily over stimulate a person with autism.
Feel Good Friday: Alex’s Special Eats
Alex, our son, was diagnosed with autism 18 years ago. He is currently in a postsecondary autistic vocational program. Like his peers, he is now a 20-year-old adult facing a world of limited work options. Alex and many of his friends find great pleasure in focusing on food. As he has grown up, and through his vocational program, he has learned about recipes, food preparation and most recently, serving food. Food vending seems to bring together all of these skills and interests.
Meet Your Navigators–Roba Hrisseh
At Autism Alliance of Michigan, the soul of our programs is our Navigator Team. We rave about this group all year long, so this April, we want to spend some time highlighting out heroes–our Navigators.
This team of dedicated individuals works day and night to find answers to all autism questions. They spend the time researching so so caretakers can focus on what’s most important–their loved ones with autism.
So here is our 1st installment of Meet Your AAoM Navigators. We sat down with Roba Hrisseh, who was one of the original Navigators on our team.
AAoM At The Dearborn Autism Carnival
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Our Story…A Novi Family Shares Their Side
As we celebrate autism awareness month, Autism Alliance of Michigan shares a very personal letter from an autism mom written to other autism parents. We could think of no better demonstration of the need for autism awareness, education, and training for those we love.
Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Navigator Team Presented to United Shore in Troy
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New Supreme Court Ruling Affects Special Education
AAoM celebrates this week’s significant US Supreme Court ruling which will impact all families who struggle to secure the highest level of special educational supports and services for their child. All children deserve an opportunity to meet their highest potential and this action brings us one step closer to making that happen.